East Midlands Railway's (EMR) services will be significantly reduced this week and weekend due to industrial action by members of the RMT union.

On Thursday 20 July and Saturday 22 July, many routes will be reduced to one train an hour and will only run between 7:30am and 6:30pm, with the last departures starting between 3pm and 4:30pm.

Until Saturday 22 July, there will also be a number of train cancellations due to action short of a strike by the ASLEF union - this could be as late as 10pm the day before customers travel. During this period, customers are strongly advised to regularly check if their train is running before setting off.

Strikes are also expected to affect services on 29 July.

During this week's strike action, customers are being advised to travel by rail only if absolutely necessary and should be aware that strike action will affect other routes across the country, with very limited services running across the whole rail network.

If a customer's train is cancelled or delayed or they choose not to travel due to strike action, tickets can be changed to another date, or they can be returned for a full refund at their point of purchase. No administration fee will be charged.

Users have, however, voiced their concern at the difficulties vulnerable users may experience in receiving refunds following the closure of nearly all of England's 1,007 rail ticket offices.

Strike action will once again impact trains across the country this week and weekend. Image credit: EMR.

Will Rogers, the Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: "We will be significantly reducing our services on Thursday and Saturday due to the ongoing strike organised by the RMT Union.

"Also between Monday, 17 July, and Saturday, 22 July, there will also be a number of train cancellations due to action short of a strike by the ASLEF union - customers should be aware services can be cancelled as late as 10pm the day before.

"Due to this, we strongly advise customers to check if their train is running before setting off and consider rail travel only if absolutely necessary during the strike days.

"It is recommended that customers check the departure time of their last train before embarking on their journey and familiarise themselves with the overall impact of the strike on their entire route.

"For detailed guidance and daily travel updates, please visit our website."

Limited trains will run in cities, with no services expected to go ahead on the strike days in Oakham, Melton and Stamford.

No Rail Replacement Bus services will be provided.

Strike action will affect other routes across the country. Customers are advised to check their full journey before travelling.